Legacy Models

Legacy Models (pre-2015)

25th Anniversary Carmen Ghia

To commemorate the company’s 25th anniversary Dr Z decided to make a limited run of 50 Carmen Ghia heads that resembled the amp’s original look and size. The Carmen Ghia was the first design released by Dr Z and one that helped establish the company’s name in the boutique amp movement.

The reason for the small and compact chassis of the original design was that Dr Z had a habit of finding and repurposing tubes, parts, and transformers anywhere he could find them. While doing so, he came across a few old Hammond reverb units that had been discontinued and thought he could find use for them. He used these original chassis and transformers to build a unique tube guitar amp that had its own voice. After selling a few hundred units he realized that it was time to contact some local manufacturers to have exclusive parts made for this design. He kept some aspects of the Hammond units like the materials used for the output transformer and the use of a global negative feedback loop the same, and tweaked the rest of the circuitry, including the phase inverter and the EQ network, to give it an exclusive and distinct sound. The success of this amp allowed the company to grow and establish its core principles: making distinctive designs, with simple features, at an affordable price.

The 25th Anniversary Carmen Ghia has the exact same tonal quality as the regular Carmen Ghia but in a much smaller box. The variety of tones and sounds found in this rather modest looking amp is what leaves so many people floored from the first note. The clean notes come out with warmth, complexity, and sustain like one has never heard from such a small amp. Every note has a hugeness to it that seems far beyond an 18 watt head. All this comes before the amp really starts to sing. As you turn the Volume clockwise, the fun factor increases. The big clean notes get even BIGGER than they were before. Sustain becomes as smooth and musical as you have ever heard it. Notes seem to sing forever.

The 25th Anniversary Carmen Ghia also includes new features like 16 ohm speaker output jack and Master Volume. This Post Phase Inverter Master Volume allows more control over volume levels without sacrificing any tone as well as more usable clean headroom. Dial the Master Volume all the way up and you’ll be taking it completely out of the circuit.

Every one of these limited edition heads is signed by Dr Z and comes with a 25th anniversary badge containing a number (1, 2 ,3…of 50) which matches the serial number stamped on the chassis.

A collaboration between master Tele player Brad Paisley, and master amp builder Mike Zaite has given birth to the all new Prescription Extra Strength. The new “RX ES” is completely revised from the input jacks to the output jacks and shares no circuits with old RX.

The RX ES design structure is unique for a Z Amp as it uses an EF -86 pentode set up in a post EQ gain layout. This alignment yields a rich harmonic complexity and an almost active response from the tone stack. The RX’s dual calibrated inputs allow for sustaining gain in the Hi input, and a rich warm clean in the Lo input jack. The RX ES also features a footswitchable “Overdose” mode, which engages a 3 dB boost for added drive and gain without altering the preset tone, same EQ’d tone just much more DRIVE.

Dr Z’s old friend (and avid supporter of Z Amps since 1989) Joe Walsh demo’d the RX ES and ordered one on the spot to use on the Eagles Oct ’04 tour of Japan. Look and listen to his Blonde RX ES on new Eagles’ releases, and upcoming shows.

Prescription Jr.

The Prescription Junior Strength (Rx Jr.) has all the same sonic characteristics of the RX ES, but at less than half the power. The Rx Jr features a post phase inverter master volume, 3 dB footswitchable boost, EF86 post EQ gain layout, a pair of cathode biased EL84s, and a 5Y3 rectifier. The post phase inverter master volume let’s you maintain all the integrity of your tone with the ability to control the overall output. There is plenty of gain to dial in with the RX Jr. The Overdose function is like having a lead boost built in the amp. The 5Y3 rectifier gives a sweet bloom to the low end. When you don’t need a full dose…the Rx Jr is just what the Dr. ordered.

Galaxie

The Galaxie is a channel switching (via footswitch) amp that combines classic tweed clean tones and smooth modern drive sounds. The clean channel nails the sweet swirling sound of classic tweed amps that have become the foundation of electric guitar tone. The drive channel is the result of Dr Z’s 20 plus years of design experience. You’ll find it has excellent sustain and a rich open sound with plenty of gain on tap for today’s needs.

The output transformer is made by the venerable Triad company and is to the original spec found in classic tweed amps like the Super, Pro, and low powered Twin. Great care was taken to accurately reproduce this transformer. Dr Z is very excited to use the Triad transformer in this design.

The preamp consists of three 12AX7s coupled to a dual 6L6 output section and rectified by a 5U4. The Galaxie features a pentode/triode switch on the rear of the amp. This will enable 40 watts in pentode setting and 30 watts in triode

New for 2010 we have eliminated the Presence control and added a Master Volume for the drive channel. This gives the ability to match up the output of the clean and drive channels with ease.

The sweet big bottled sounds of the Galaxie are at your command. The Galaxie is set to explore!

Mazerati GT

The Mazerati GT may look familiar, but you are in for a whole new ride. Our goal with this design is to provide you the simplest platform to achieve that elusive “boutique” high gain tone. The GT uses the time tested output transformer designed for us by Ken Fischer. The gain comes on fast and strong allowing you to simply use the volume knob on your guitar to provide sparkling clean tones. The Mazerati GT utilizes two 12AX7s, a quad of EL84s, and a 5AR4 rectifier. The GT is cathode biased so output tube changes are a breeze.

Specifications:

Power Output: 38 Watts

Output Tubes: 4 – EL84

Preamp Tubes: 2 – 12AX7

Rectifier: 1 – 5AR4

Controls: Volume, Tone

Configurations: Head

Colors: Black, Blonde, Red

Dimensions & Weight: Head: 19″ W, 9 3/4″ H, 9 1/2″ D; 25 lbs

Jaz 20/40

The JAZ 20/40 encompasses all your favorite qualities from Dr Z’s most popular models. With the front end of the MAZ series coupled to a cathode biased 4 6V6 output section the JAZ 20/40 is the most feature laden Z amp to date. No need to decide between buying a 20 watt or 40 watt amp. The JAZ 20/40 is both in one box. Like the Dr Z Remedy amp, the JAZ 20/40 has the amazing ½ power switch feature. There is zero change in tone and response when going between the ½ and full power modes. You just get more or less volume. The ½ power switch along with the master volume will allow you to dial the JAZ in for any size room. Sparkling, full bodied clean head room to lower wattage output tube grind…it’s all in there.

Full bias modulating output tube tremolo is on board as well. Output tube tremolo gives you a depth not heard with pedals or opticoupler circuits. You get deep pulsating swells of tremolo from the JAZ. Whether you desire slow and mellow or faster Bo Didley sounds you can dial it in with ease via the speed and depth controls. Add in the tube driven reverb and you’ll be navigating the swamps of the bayou. Speaking of reverb, the JAZ 20/40 reverb circuit has been dialed in to produce a very lush verb. You’ll find it has great depth compared with other single knob reverbs.

The front panel features controls for volume, full EQ, master, speed, depth, and reverb. Around back are speaker outs (4, 8, and 16) and the ½ power switch. The reverb and tremolo can be turned on and off via the supplied 2 button footswitch.

The JAZ 20/40 is available as a head, 1×12, and 2×10 combo. Adding the Z Brake Lite to a combo gives you the ultimate 1 amp rig. You’ll be equally suited for big outdoor stages and bedroom playing all with one amp.

Delta 88

Dr. Z Amplification is proud to release its most powerful Guitar amp to date, the Delta 88. It follows in the line of Dr. Z’s award winning EF-86, three control, short chassis amp designs.

The Delta 88 will take its place on top the Dr. Z “short chassis” list, which includes: Z-28 at 26 watts, Route 66 at 32 watts, KT-45 at 45 watts, Delta 88 at 88 watts.

The Delta 88 has a broad balanced power band, it was designed to output 32 watts of the fullest, sustaining, 3 dimensional clean tones this side of a 100 watt Plexi.

The cleaner settings are perfect for single speaker cab, smaller club usage along with a nice overdrive pedal. This will allow you to take control of a smaller stage, with a compact sized amp setup. With power to spare, all you have to do is reach back and turn up as you need it.

The output power grows to a peak 88 watts at full clip. It reaches this level in smooth linear steps. Never does the tone get harsh or biting. Using the Delta 88 with multiple speaker cabs will get the hairs on the back of your neck standing. Whether it’s on a large/festival type stage with a big back line, or arena style back stage mic’d, the Delta 88 will fit the venue.

Durability is built into the Delta 88 design. Prior to the release of this amp, the first units endured 15 months of rugged on the road usage by the “Big Man,” Alligator Recording Artist Michael Burks. Michael’s high-powered 3 1/2 hour sets, (in keeping with Blues greats of the past), are a grueling test for other lesser designed amplifiers. (Michael should know he has used them all.)

The Delta 88 has stood up to the challenge, without a failure.

The Delta 88 is a fully tested, finalized design which carries a Limited Lifetime Warranty to the original owner.

Specifications:

Power Output: 88 watts full clipped power / 32 watts clean headroom

Output Tubes: 2- KT88

Preamp Tubes: 1 – EF-86

Rectifier: Solid State

Controls: Volume, Bass, Treble.

Configurations: Head

Colors: Black, Blonde, Red. Other custom wood finishes are available.

Dimensions: 17 1/2″ W, 9 7/8″ H, 9 1/2″ D

Weight: 22 lbs

Mazerati

Note: Production of this amp was suspended in April 2006.

The first Mazerati was custom built for a customer who wanted a “higher powered Carmen Ghia.” Brad Paisley with a pair of Mazeratis and a Maz 18 Junior With four EL-84s, the Mazerati was twice the power as the Ghia, and sounded very nice. It was good on its own. Then, Country Music star Brad Paisley requested a replacement for his aged Vintage Vox AC-30, and the evolution of the Mazerati began. The Evolution of the Mazerati.

Dr. Z says, “I had read in the Mullard Design Manual about a technique of using a split load cathode bias setup. Since Mullard is responsible for the best sounding EL-84’s, I took their advice. All cathode biased amps generate the bias voltage from one resistor, so the average of the four tubes is summed together to form the bias voltage. The split load setup uses two larger valued resistors to split the set of outputs and generates a more accurate bias voltage. Now both halves of the output rise to a more balanced symmetry, giving a balanced tone with increased sustain. This setup also eliminates the need for perfectly matched “Quads” of EL-84s. The next step was to upgrade the power transformer by a factor of three. This increased the bandwidth of the amp, firmed up the low-end response, and gave the amp a perfect string to string balance with totally opened up the tone of the amp. After that, I increased the Global Negative Feedback for a touch more clean headroom. The Mazerati uses tru Global Feedback, which is injected into the first preamp tube.

Finally, I increased the power supply filtering to eliminate any hint of Ghost Notes, and to increase the dynamic response.

Specifications:

Power Output: Approximately 35 Watts

Output Tubes: 4 – EL-84

Tubes:1-5751, 1-12ax7

Rectifier: 1 – 5AR4

Controls: Volume, Tone. What more do you need?

Configurations: Head, 1-12 and 2-12 Combo

Colors: Black, Red, Camel. Other custom wood finishes are available.

Dimensions and Weight:Head: 19″ W, 9 3/4″ H, 9 1/2″ D; 22 lbs.

1-12 and 2-10 combo: 23″ W, 20 1/8″ H, 10″ D; 47 lbs.

2-12 combo: 27 1/2″ W, 22 1/8″ H, 10″ D; 65 lbs.

Prescription

Note: as of Fall 2004, this amp is no longer in production. It has been replaced by the Prescription Extra Strength.

The Prescription is one of the Doctor’s first amps, and its reputation will allow it to be one of the most popular Dr.Z amps for years to come. Players across the country have sung its praises, critics have gushed, and the word has spread. The Prescription is a British-voiced amplifier with its own distinct personality.

The tone of this amp screams rock and roll when cranked, but when clean, its bell-like tone and piano-like clarity on the low notes gives excellent articulation on complex chords. The Prescription is complex and rich in harmonics, and gives incredible touch sensitivity and string-to-finger feel. So whether you’re looking for clean and pretty, or crunch of doom for some rippin’ blues slide, the ‘Script may be the amp for you.

6545

Note: Production of this amp was suspended in April 2006.

The 6545 is our first channel-switching guitar amplifier. Dubbed the 6545, the amp combines two proven amp designs in one channel switching amp head. The amp incorporates the 1990 design of the high gain SRZ-65 with the more recent KT-45.

Each hand-wired, point-to-point pre-amp has it’s own set of non-interacting controls; adjusting one channel’s settings does not affect the other. The power section uses modified power transformers to a pair of EL-34 power tubes, and operates in an ultralinear Class A/B mode.

“Dr. Z”, states: “The SRZ-65 has been a proven cascaded-gain amp for over a decade. Now, by coupling the smooth overdrive from te SRZ-65 to the punchy tones from the EF-86 based KT-45, you’ve got the best of both worlds. Jump from singing high-gain leads to punchy driving rhythm tones with the click of a footswitch.”

The 6545 is graced with a new white front panel, providing great contrast to the original black “chicken-head” knobs. Finishing the look is an amethyst jewel light, and a blue LED channel indicator.

Specifications:

Output Tubes: 2 – EL-34

Preamp Section: two independent channels, based on the SRZ-65 and the KT-45